Location

NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, Maryland

Purpose

Infant Mortality is one of the most important indicators of the health of a nation. According to a National Center for Health Statistics data brief issued in 2008, the United States ranked 29th in the world in infant mortality. Medical research, public health outreach, and social services have helped the overall U.S. infant mortality rate to decline during the 20th century. In spite of this general decline, infant mortality rates for African American, Puerto Rican, and American Indian/Alaskan Native infants remain above the U.S. average of 6.7 per 1,000 live births.

The NIH is committed to conducting and supporting research that reduces and ultimately eliminates the high infant mortality rate, and the disparate rates that impact communities of color. The NICHD invites all U.S. Department of Health and Human Services staff to come to the NIH main campus for this first-ever 5K run/walk/roll to raise awareness about infant mortality during September, which is National infant Mortality Awareness Month. Participants can come learn about infant mortality, current research and issues, and the agenda for future research efforts to further reduce infant mortality in the United States.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. in front of Building 1 on the NIH main campus. Please check back for additional details.

Please bring your e-mail registration confirmation to the nearest R&W store to get your event t-shirt. T-shirts will be available after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13. You can also pick up your t-shirt when you check in on the day of the event.